Southern Company (SO)vsWPP PLC ADR (WPP)
SO
Southern Company
$92.60
+1.22%
UTILITIES · Cap: $102.01B
WPP
WPP PLC ADR
$17.70
-4.74%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $4.11B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 123% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $13.55B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs -1.6%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.53. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
WPP
Avoid34
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-47.7%
Fair Value
$62.70
Current Price
$92.60
$29.90 premium
Margin of Safety
+68.9%
Fair Value
$58.87
Current Price
$17.70
$41.17 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Operating margin of 2.2%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 8.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : WPP
The strongest argument for WPP centers on Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : WPP
The primary concerns for WPP are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 2.69 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO profiles as a value stock while WPP is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
WPP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.66 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
WPP generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SO scores higher overall (56/100 vs 34/100). WPP offers better value entry with a 68.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Southern Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.
WPP PLC ADR
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA
WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, expertise, trade and technology services in North America, the UK, Western Continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
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